Fernando Alonso completed a successful
two-day training in the Toyota Hilux on September 2-3 in Szczecin, Poland
covering 700 kilometres, including sections used by the recently-concluded Baja
Poland. The training course featured a variety of sand tracks, hard and soft soil,
and bumpy terrain developed by rally raid specialists and the team’s logistics
partner, Overdrive Racing.

Fernando will head to South Africa for a
non-competitive outing in the Lichtenburg 400, fifth round of the South African
Cross Country Series, on September 13-14. Originally scheduled to take place
near Harrismith, the event moved to its new location due to unseasonably dry
conditions which posed a fire risk.
Glyn Hall, Team Principal: “This was the first test for Fernando in Europe with
the Hilux driving on very different terrains and conditions compared to Namibia
two weeks ago. As we progress through our intensive training programme, we are
focussed on getting quality kilometres as Fernando continues to familiarise himself
with the Hilux and rally raid, more so than pure mileage. Nevertheless, we were
able to double the planned mileage for this test which demonstrates just how
quickly Fernando is acclimatising to the Hilux. Next week, we leave the
relative comfort of a private test setting, to give Fernando a first taste of a
rally raid competition environment at the Lichtenburg 400. We are grateful to
the South African Cross Country Series for the special dispensation allowing
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to maximise this valuable opportunity in Fernando’s
continuing training programme.”

Fernando Alonso: “It was definitely a positive couple of days here in
Poland where I could experiment with a different sort of terrain. At this stage
of my training, I welcome every kilometre in the Hilux and I’m happy we were
able to push ourselves beyond the team’s original plans. It’s really great to
be part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing family and be given opportunities to try my
hands at different types of motorsport. The Hilux has been really fun to drive
and I’m enjoying every test.”